Rada increases fines for illegal collection of nuts, mushrooms and berries

On October 10, the Verkhovna Rada increased fines for illegal collection of nuts, mushrooms and berries.

A total of 242 parliamentarians voted for bill No. 9665, with the minimum required 226.

According to it, the arbitrary implementation of secondary forest uses in forests and on forestry land, in areas where it is prohibited or allowed only with forest tickets, as well as violation of the terms of implementation of secondary forest uses, is punishable by a fine of UAH 425-850 (25-50 tax-free minimum incomes of citizens).

Previously, the fine was from UAH 17 to UAH 51 (1-3 tax-free minimum incomes of citizens), for officials - from UAH 51 to UAH 119 (3-7 tax-free minimum incomes of citizens).

Secondary forest uses include: harvesting of hay, livestock grazing, placement of beehives, harvesting of wild fruits, nuts, mushrooms, berries, medicinal plants, collection of forest litter, harvesting of reeds.

Also, with this draft law, the Rada introduced criminal liability in the form of imprisonment for 8-10 years for illegal felling of trees.

According to it, illegal felling of trees or shrubs, as well as damage or destruction of trees or shrubs in any way, if such actions caused serious consequences, committed under conditions of war or state of emergency, are punishable by imprisonment for a term of seven to ten years.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, the relevant approved bill provides that for the destruction or damage of forests, green areas, stubble, meadows, pastures, areas with steppe, wetland or other vegetation by fire or other generally dangerous means, fines from UAH 51,000 to UAH 85,000 (3,000-5,000 tax-free minimum incomes of citizens) or corrective works for a period of up to one year will be imposed.

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